Selarón Steps

The Escadaria Selarón was the life's work of Jorge Selarón, a Chilean-born artist who began covering the steps outside his home in 1990. Over the years he added more than 2,000 tiles, many sent by visitors from around the world, set among the green, yellow and blue of the Brazilian flag.

The steps climb from the bohemian Lapa district, with its white aqueduct arches, towards the hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, known for its artists' studios, small restaurants and historic yellow tram. Look closely and you will find tiles from dozens of countries, some painted with messages from travellers.

Visit in the morning, before the crowds arrive, and see it as part of a guided walk through Lapa and Santa Teresa rather than wandering the area alone.